LDS Tank Bursting Warning Labels

[Jay-Bruce]

Quick question, when we switch off our c5's engine, it lowers the suspension a smidgen, I presume this is to do with making it easier to get in and out? However it makes me wonder, does the engine need to be running, with the suspension set to max height, as the weight is transferred from the wheels to the 2 poster? And does it also need to be running, with the suspension set to max height as the weight is transferred back to the wheels?

[GiveMeABreak]

Quick question, when we switch off our c5's engine, it lowers the suspension a smidgen, I presume this is to do with making it easier to get in and out?

No, the vehicle adjusts the ride height slightly to account for rougher surfaces. when it is back on 'normal' ground according to conditions, or when switching off, the car will lower back to normal position. The same as when you unlock the car in the morning, it will check the height and if needed raise the car a little to normal height settings.

However it makes me wonder, does the engine need to be running, with the suspension set to max height, as the weight is transferred from the wheels to the 2 poster?

If the car will be lifted off the ground with the wheels unsupported - i.e. hanging freely, then yes, the suspension must be raised to high first, with engine running until the max. height is reached (once suspension has been raised you can switch engine off - height will be maintained), then remove the LDS cap.

And does it also need to be running, with the suspension set to max height as the weight is transferred back to the wheels?

The car will already be at max height if you followed the guidance before lifting the car off the ground. When it is lowered back to the ground, the max. height will be maintained. You can then start the car and return the height to normal position and replace LDS cap.

[Jay-Bruce]

Thanks Marc, I was going to give your post a like but couldnt bring my self to break the sequential score you currently have...



If I clicked like that would raise your score from 1234 to 1235, and erm, I'm a little OCD

[GiveMeABreak]

Well spotted so am I!

[NewcastleFalcon]

Thanks Marc, I was going to give your post a like but couldnt bring my self to break the sequential score you currently have...



If I clicked like that would raise your score from 1234 to 1235, and erm, I'm a little OCD

Get yourself joining in on the significant milages thread Jay! There are a decent crop of "number noticers" on here


Regards Neil

[Doo]

As the owner of a Range Rover P38 with functioning airbag suspension I make it my priority to alert lesser clownage of the position of my car suspension in that it MUST NOT be touched by stupid people!

I usually don't let anyone near it unless they actually understand that they can damage my system by allowing the wheels to hang.

I take care to explain that any jacking of my vehicle needs to be done on the axle, one wheel at a time.

My car is 20 years old & immaculate & I intend keeping it that way.

Do you also do stickers for other marques

Good show though, I like this forum

[myglaren]

May not apply to your model but when I mentioned it to the people doing my tracking they were aware and also mentioned Range Rovers being similar - the trick being to open the tailgate if the wheels were to be hanging.

[Doo]

May not apply to your model but when I mentioned it to the people doing my tracking they were aware and also mentioned Range Rovers being similar - the trick being to open the tailgate if the wheels were to be hanging.

I'm more worried that they could damage the height sensors now that they're old and brittle. But I have seen airbags come off because the clip that holds them in place has come off. Then the fun & games trying to set it back in place and insert a new pin

[admiral51]

Just my tuppence worth, think that there are good tyre fitters out there that know there stuff.
Yesterday the wife had a slow puncture front n/s on our ( yeah hers really ) C5 and she took it into Bathwick Tyres in Sterte ( Poole )
Yes admit that the tread on both was close to 2-3mm and this time of year i said just get them both changed for new.
However she did mention that when she was asked to drive into the bay she was asked to put the suspension to its highest setting before stopping the car.
Ours ( Hers ) is steel sprung but having the Xantia she understood and explained, but nice to see attention to detail from people we often bash

Colin

And before you ask, i paid for them by default

[Redrich]

Happened to me and I didn't have any wheels off the ground, just on high then low and ..bang!

[GiveMeABreak]

As I mentioned in my first post - it was probably weakened from previous operations where the procedure was not followed - which is what happens - and then one day it will just burst. It weakens along the seam.

[alexrgs]

I have questions about jacking the car up:
- If I raise the car to its maximum heigh, could I put four jack stands below the car, and could I set a lower heigh so that the car could rest onto the jack stands?
- when the car is jacked up on the four jack stands and its wheels are hanging, could I de-pressurize the hydraulic system?

[RPekka]

most likely eploded our cars tank.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. I've never heard of this and I've had 4 Hydractive 3 cars that all have been "hanging freely". I don't see the theory of a hanging wheel sucking the oil out being very possible.

[GiveMeABreak]

It happens - fact. Specifically on the C5 and C6 vehicles. This has been covered by many who have had this issue on many forums. Even the vented cap on the LDS tank is not sufficient to cope with the back pressure of a hydractive vehicle that has not had the suspension raised to the highest level and where the wheels have been suspended, returning to the ground in an uncontrolled manner.

In other words, if the garage lowers the car too fast to the ground and the suspension is not in the highest position, the fluid pressure under the weight of the car crashing down can force the fluid back to the tank in an uncontrolled manner. This can in some cases immediately cause a burst tank, or can and will over time weaken the LDS tank at the seam.

The labels we have produced are for the uneducated on these matters, and intended for owners or as reminders for third party garages / mechanics who do not understand the implications.

The main cause is not first raising the car to the highest position prior to lifting the car up (as specified in the owner manual). When the car is lifted up like this all the fluid is pulled into the suspension struts as the wheels are extended under their weight. Having the suspension on the highest setting prevents all the uncontrolled fluid returning to the reservoir when lowered, as the struts will remain on the highest position until the height is lowered using the control which lowers the vehicle slowly.

If you are careful how you return the car to the ground, then you likely won't have the issue.

[myglaren]

My MOT place has instructions for them to avoid any problems.

Range Rovers with air suspension too, there is some trickery with the rear door being opened in conjunction with the car being lifted off its wheels.